Mr. John Meehan:

The Deputy asked whether things are going forward. Two weeks ago, we had an international congress on suicide prevention in Derry attended by 800 people from all over the world. I am happy going forward that we are the only country that has a strategy and an implementation plan, which we reviewed mid-term, warts and all, from the top down. We have to be honest about that and how we are progressing. The way forward is the cross-sectoral aspect. As I say at every public appearance I make, suicide prevention is not only a HSE responsibility. It is a responsibility for all of us and we must work collectively.

I was very happy with presentations made by colleagues in my office on evaluation and monitoring. We evaluate and monitor to see how we are getting on. We have an active as opposed to passive strategy and an implementation plan. Notwithstanding the negative view of the mental health services that is sometimes taken, the National Office of Suicide Prevention is viewed as an exemplar internationally. It is important to recognise that.